A new organization in Pittsburgh has been created: The Pittsburgh Brewing Diversity Council. The council’s vision is “to adapt the people aspect of the craft beer community to be as diverse as the styles on the tap list”. The new council includes people of color, women, and people identifying with the LGBTQIA+ community who work in the craft beer industry

Breweries In PA spoke with the founder of The PBDC to learn more about their goal to coordinate on cultivating diversity in the taproom, and on the business side in the craft beer industry.

“Those of us who are on the producer/service side of the craft beer industry have been motivated by positive experiences on the consumer side. We aim to both coordinate events, and collaborations, to make that happen as well as serve as a conduit/channel for the energy that exists out there to be an ally or support an effort”, says Adam Bey, the founder of the council.

The council is looking to be able to identify the factors or obstacles out there that are hindering other demographics from partaking as readily in the craft beer industry.

Adam continued, “Whether it’s as simple as the marketing approach to whether or not taprooms are as conducive or proactively to welcoming of demographics that are not as commonly seen. What you can expect from us is partnering with businesses, breweries, or non-profits in efforts to cultivate traffic and potentially advance causes that help our community. You can also expect us to come up with ideas akin to concepts such as Black is Beautiful or All Together in order to create a buzz greater than simply a lone brewery brewing a themed beer for a cause.”

Who’s Involved?

Adam Bey – Co-owner of 412 Brewing, Chief Brand Ambassador

“I believe beer is for everyone of age who wishes to participate, with no demographic limitations. Our aim at PBDC is to be a conduit for the energy to lay the groundwork that materializes my belief.”

Kevin Stewart – Award-Winning Homebrewer

“We need to open the door to diversity and education in brewing. Knowledge will enhance inclusion and enjoyment.”

Adam Bey: Kevin Stewart is one of my favorite people to talk to, not only because he’s the one person in the group older than me, but he knows old Pittsburgh. He’s been through a lot of the transitions. He can tell you what has changed, and what has remained the same. He serves as a terrific resource to make sure we don’t lose sight of progress made, but also will keep us on track with how much we still need to do.

Aadam Soorma – Head of Marketing and Guest Experience at Trace Brewing

“Beer is a fun beverage. Let’s ensure it’s fun, for everyone.”

Adam Bey: Aadam Soorma is someone who understands what it means to be a brown guy trying to navigate an Interesting arsenal of bigotry weapons, especially being less represented in the craft beer space.

Sydney Mealey – Taproom Manager 412 Brewing

“My goal within the PBDC is to bring in more diversity, not only with just bringing more women, POC, and LGBTQ+ people into the industry, but improving inclusivity and visibility for a welcoming space from the front door to the BOH. The burden on making changes in our industry should not fall on the shoulders of the people that need this change. We don’t want to solely focus on POC during February or the Queer community in June, the focus should be universal and non-stop. I want us to elevate these conversations and listen to what people have to say.”

Lauren Hughes – Head Brewer at Necromancer Brewing Co, VP/BOG Rep. – Pittsburgh District Master Brewers Assoc. of the Americas, Member – Pink Boots Society

“My feelings on what we are aiming to do as the Pittsburgh Brewery Diversity Council are to highlight the diversity that is in the industry, make craft beer more accessible and inclusive to all beer drinkers, expand breweries’ customer demographics, and make diversity, equity, and inclusion organizational business goals.”

Adam Bey: Sydney and Lauren can explain a lot about what it means to be a woman in the business, and all the additional hurdles that come into play. Also factor in being members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and that’s an additional layer of having to “prove” oneself in the industry beyond the common archetype.

Dennis Guy – Founder and Owner at First Sip Brew Box

“Strength lies in differences not in similarities”

Adam Bey: Dennis is a black business owner in the craft beer space. He has his own challenges to deal with as a business owner, let alone a black business owner. Fortunately for him, he has a very supportive and business-engaged spouse, along with his own cheery disposition which definitely aids in propelling his efforts.

Michael Orellano – Assistant Brewer Necromancer Brewing

“My hopes for PBDC are to reach out culturally and build a diverse and exciting taproom experience for everyone. The end goal being more interest in the back of house operations when more folks are in front of the house enjoying themselves.”

Adam Bey: Mikey Orellano is one of the more popular and engaging personalities in the local craft beer community. Many knew him from his days at Bierport, then Hitchhiker Brewing, and now he’s an assistant brewer at Necromancer Brewing, where Lauren can guide his journey into beer production.

The Pittsburgh Brewery Diversity Council has a lot to tackle now that they have formed. They will be focusing on completing some upcoming projects effectively to build their repertoire and gain some recognition with a winning record.

Stay tuned for more information about these upcoming projects, and make sure to follow the Pittsburgh Brewery Diversity Council on Facebook for more information.